Financial life isn't great for many right now, and tax deadlines are rapidly approaching. If you find that you can't pay your taxes on time, the Federal Trade Commission can help. Here's what they suggest:

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Read your notices from the IRS or your state comptroller. Ask them about collection alternatives. The IRS has information online about the collection process and payment options, and videos on their YouTube channel. You also can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that provides free help to people in financial difficulty or who need help resolving a problem with the IRS. Call 1-877-777-4778 or go online.

The FTC also warns you to stay skeptical when looking at companies that provide tax relief. If a company claims you're eligible to resolve your tax debt (something only the government can do), or charges an advance fee, don't trust them. The inability to pay your taxes doesn't put you in a good situation, but if you take the right steps you can at least minimize the resulting issues.